Two cases of COVID-19-related hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome with different outcomes

Background

Severe cases due to acute encephalopathy in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported. Among acute encephalopathies, the cytokine storm type has a poor prognosis and no established treatment. Here, we describe two cases of COVID-19-related hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome (HSES) with different outcomes.

Case presentation

Case 1 was a 2-year-11-month-old girl with no medical history. She developed a fever on the first day of the illness and was admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) on day two due to status epilepticus. She had refractory shock from arrival, and was diagnosed with HSES. On day three, both pupils were dilated. A brain computed tomography (CT) scan showed diffuse cerebral edema. The electroencephalogram showed electrocerebral inactivity; brainstem reflexes were not observed. The patient died on day 13. Case 2 was a 6-year-old boy with a history of febrile seizures. He developed a fever on the first day of the illness and was admitted to our PICU on day three due to status epilepticus. A brain CT on admission showed cerebral edema. He developed hypotensive shock after admission, and was diagnosed with HSES. He received multidisciplinary treatment, and was extubated on day eight. The patient was diagnosed with HSES and received multidisciplinary treatment. The patient recovered and was extubated on day eight. He was discharged on day 17. Case 2 had a shorter duration of hypotension, temperature management at a lower temperature, and more aggressive anti-seizure medication use.

Conclusion

Circulatory stabilization is essential for hypothermia therapy and aggressive anti-seizure medication use, and important in terms of maintaining cerebral circulation. Therefore, early recovery from shock appeared to be the most crucial factor affecting the outcomes of both cases.